Scribe Varuna Fellowships
Held in partnership with Scribe Publications, these publishing intensive mentorships provide a unique opportunity for up to four writers developing exceptional new work. The 2022 program is looking for literary fiction submissions.
Scribe Publications will choose each of the manuscripts because they believe it has the potential to become a publishable work of literary value. It is important for applicants to note that this program does not come with a guarantee of publication.
Scribe Associate Publisher, Marika Webb-Pullman, comments, “We're looking for bold, powerful, voice-driven literary fiction that engages with current events or offers surprising new perspectives on older ideas; novels that have a unique hook, and strong prose. We're not afraid of work that pushes at the boundaries of the form — indeed, we'll welcome it — but we're not looking for novels that follow genre conventions, like crime, romance, or science fiction.”
The residency includes manuscript feedback and meetings with Scribe editorial staff, independent writing time in your own private writing studio, accommodation and meals. Scribe editors live with the writers at Varuna, and meet with each writer at the beginning and end of the week to discuss your project. Evenings offer the opportunity to meet with other writers and the Scribe editors over dinner to chat about publishing and writing.
After the residency Scribe will keep in touch, offering further feedback as you develop your manuscript to a completed or reworked draft.
Key dates
Applications close midnight 12 April, 2022.
Applicants must be available for the fellowship week which will be held from Monday 21 November to Monday 28 November 2022.
What you need to send us
You will need to send us between 7,000 and 10,000 words from the beginning of your manuscript, along with a synopsis of the entire work.
What is Scribe looking for?
In 2022, the Scribe program is looking for literary fiction submissions.
Fees
There is a fee of $65 per application, unless you are a financially current alumni member using your annual fee waiver. Application fees are used to pay professional assessors to read your work. If you have a Healthcare card, the application fee is $35. Please email us if you are facing financial hardship and require full application subsidy.
If you are successful, you will be asked to make a contribution of $385 towards your residency and you will need to meet your own travel expenses to and from Varuna. If you have a Healthcare card, you may apply to the Varuna Travel Assistance Fund for a subsidy of up to $300.
